Young defectors returned to North Korea

Singing a patriotic song under the smiling portraits of North Korea's former leaders.

North Korean state TV shows off nine young defectors believed to have been forcibly repatriated after escaping to Laos.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) 19-YEAR-OLD NORTH KOREAN DEFECTOR MUN CHOL SAYING:

"We almost sunk into the depths of misery forever, but our dear leader Kim Jong-un saved us. Kim opened up a bright and hopeful future for us. Kim is our true mother and father."

This footage shows the defectors at a bus stop in Laos en route to the capital where they sought the South Korean embassy in May, according to local media.

There are concerns, from the United Nations amongst others, that the nine could still face harsh punishment, including execution.

Singing a patriotic song under the smiling portraits of North Korea's former leaders.

North Korean state TV shows off nine young defectors believed to have been forcibly repatriated after escaping to Laos.

(S